Isabelle's Osteria

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

A Gramercy Park Address for Serious Italian Cooking

Isabelle's Osteria brings a refined take on classic Italian dining to 245 Park Avenue South, in the heart of Gramercy Park. The 150-seat space was envisioned and designed by Dudi Sasson, whose signature aesthetic runs to rich wood accents, bespoke colorful wallpaper, and vibrant greenery — a room that feels simultaneously polished and genuinely comfortable. At the center of it all sits an expansive bar, while a private dining room offers a more intimate setting for smaller gatherings.

The team behind the food is led by Executive Chef James Tracey, with sommelier Arman Miridzhanyan overseeing a wine program that earned Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence in 2024 — recognition that places Isabelle's among a select group of restaurants whose lists go well beyond the expected. That accolade is well-earned: the cellar is curated to complement every register of the Italian menu, from a quick lunch to a long celebratory dinner.

What's on the Plate

The menu moves through homemade pastas and seasonal dishes that balance authentic Italian tradition with a modern sensibility. Pasta is a clear strength: bucatini cacio e pepe, tagliatelle bolognese with veal, beef, and chicken, rigatoni alla vodka finished with burrata, and a mushroom lasagna layered with porcini, spinach, béchamel, and taleggio fonduta are among the options that keep tables ordering seconds. Starters like crispy baby artichokes with controne pepper aioli, roasted octopus with gigandes beans and garlic confit, and tuna tartare with capers and basil round out a menu that rewards exploration.

Weekend brunch adds another dimension — bottomless bellinis or mimosas, lemon ricotta pancakes, Sicilian shakshuka, and a Sicilian-inflected schicciata with whipped ricotta and Italian olives. Diners have singled out the focaccia, the Caesar, and the mushroom lasagna in particular, with plates reportedly leaving the table clean.

The Atmosphere and the Occasion

Guests describe the room as lively and pretty, occasionally loud in the best way — a place where old friends catch up over long meals and service genuinely elevates the experience. The restaurant handles everything from intimate dinners and business lunches to private events, weddings, and full buyouts, with dedicated event support on hand. Whether you're after a quiet table for two or a room for a hundred, Isabelle's Italian hospitality scales accordingly.